Africa’s Richest Man Dedicates Refinery Road to Late Banker Herbert Wigwe

In a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Herbert Wigwe, the late co-founder and CEO of Access Corporation, Africa’s wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote, has made a significant announcement. 

On Monday, during a commemorative event titled “Celebrating Herbert Wigwe – A Professional Legacy” held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, Dangote declared that the 120-kilometer road leading to his $20-billion petrochemical complex in Lagos would bear the name of the distinguished banking executive.

Dangote, whose fortune is estimated at $12.7 billion, spoke highly of Wigwe, describing him as a dedicated mentee who played an instrumental role in supporting not only him but also his business and family. The industrialist expressed his pride in dedicating the major refinery and petrochemical road to Wigwe’s memory, highlighting the late banker’s commitment and expertise. “I will forever cherish the warmth of his friendship,” Dangote remarked.

Herbert Wigwe was among Nigeria’s most affluent individuals, holding a 9.09-percent stake in Access Holdings, valued at $54 million. Tragically, he lost his life in a helicopter crash near Nipton, California, nearly four weeks ago. The accident also claimed the lives of his wife Chizoba, his son, and Nigerian lawyer Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on the devastating helicopter crash that led to the untimely demise of Herbert Wigwe and three others. According to information from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 was engulfed in flames before the crash.

Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, confirmed the receipt of the preliminary report. It indicated that adverse weather conditions caused the helicopter to catch fire before crashing in Halloran Springs. The tragic incident took place during a flight from Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California, to Boulder City Municipal Airport in Nevada, with a stop at Palm Springs International Airport.